Mariners Hire Lloyd McClendon As Manager

WEDNESDAY: The Mariners have issued a press release to confirm the signing and announce an introductory press conference tomorrow at 1pm PT.

TUESDAY: The Mariners have hired Tigers hitting coach Lloyd McClendon to be their new manager, according to a report from the Puget Sound Business Journal (Twitter link). Jon Heyman of CBS Sports confirms the move (also via Twitter).

McClendon, who turns 55 in January, has five years of Major League managerial experience, having served as the Pirates skipper from 2001-05. McClendon compiled a 336-446 record in that time and has since served as a coach on the Tigers' staff. McClendon served as Jim Leyland's bullpen coach in 2006 and has been Detroit's hitting coach for the past seven seasons.

McClendon played for the Pirates, Reds and Cubs in over parts of eight seasons as a first baseman/outfielder. He hit .244/.325/.381 with 35 home runs in 1,375 Major League plate appearances from 1987-94. McClendon was said to be a finalist for the job along with Athletics bench coach Chip Hale, Dodgers third base coach Tim Wallach and former White Sox/Marlins bench coach Joey Cora.